About

About this course

Apprenticeships are a popular choice for people aged 16 or above, looking for on the job training and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

An apprenticeship in playwork will develop your employability skills and provide you with valuable skills and experience working in a playwork setting. You must be working in a playwork environment, typically working a minimum of 30 hours per week (including training time) Apprentices will need a contract of employment (if working less than 30 hours per week apprentices must work a minimum of 16 hours per week, and the overall apprenticeship length will be extended pro rata).

Apprenticeship vacancies can be found at www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk

Job Roles

You will be working in a playwork setting, this can include after school clubs; your exact duties will depend on your employer. Your duties will include providing a safe and stimulating environment in which children can play.

Course Details

What will the course involve?

To gain the full apprenticeship you will work towards the following qualifications:

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Playwork

Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)

Functional Skills level 1 in Maths, English and ICT

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)

Mandatory units:

Understand Playwork Principles

Understand Children and young people’s self-directed play

Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people

Optional units can include:

Contribute to providing food and drink in the play environment

Contribute to the administration of the play environment

Carry out playwork in a school setting

Entry Requirements

What qualifications will I need?

You will need to demonstrate an interest in working with children. All applicants for apprenticeship training will be required to attend
an interview and undertake initial assessments. All successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check through their
employer.

Assessment

How will I be assessed?

An assessor will assess you in your work place environment providing on-going support to compile your portfolio of evidence which will also include written assignments.

If you have achieved Grade C or above in Maths and English (or Grade 4 or above on the new grading scheme), you will not be required to undertake Functional Skills.

If you have achieved less than these grades, you will be required to achieve a minimum Level 1 Functional Skills prior to or during the apprenticeship. These will be assessed through external examinations and workshops.

Progression

Next Steps

As an experienced playworker, you may become a community play leader or be able to progress to a supervisor or management job. You could also become self-employed and set up one or more after-school clubs.